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With cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets, there are some things to be more mindful of in autumn. Here are safety tips and reminders from Off-Campus Life for fall evenings.   

  Stay safe walking or cycling at night  

Whether you're heading home from a late class, work shift or a club meeting, stay safe when walking or biking in the evening: 

• Only cross at a crosswalk when the "start crossing" symbol appears. Entering during a steady "don't walk" or flashing red hand is illegal.  

• No sidewalk? Walk or bike facing traffic on the outer edge of the road so you can see what’s coming. 

• Don’t assume that drivers see you or that they will stop—make eye contact and wait for the nod or wave before crossing. 

• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, especially in stormy weather or at night. Carry a flashlight or use your phone light at night to see and be seen.     

If you’re biking around campus or through Boulder, remember that city rules require all cyclists riding at night to use a front light and a rear red reflector. Review additional biking tips from the Environmental Center.  

CU NightRide also offers free late-night transportation for students, faculty and staff within Boulder's city limits. Learn more about how to request a ride.   

  Keep the lights on and lock up  

The sun will set before 7 p.m. by the end of September. When daylight saving ends in November, we'll have only about 10 hours of daylight. With the earlier sunsets, turning indoor lights on at home and leaving your porch light on at night is important. And as always, keep your doors and windows locked at all times of the day, no matter how long you’ll be gone.    

You can help keep your roommates and friends accountable, too. As you and your friends head out for the day or evening, double check that everyone locked their doors and vehicles behind them.   

  Be bear aware  

Most Colorado bears are active from mid-March through early November, according to Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Bears will work hard to get calories as their hibernation period gets closer this fall.    

Here are some tips to help deter bears in your neighborhood:   

• Do not feed bears or put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.  

• Be responsible with trash. The city of Boulder has an ordinance that requires trash to be secured in bear-resistant trash cans or carts for residents in designated areas within Boulder. Residents within this implementation zone, including students living in rental units, should be provided with retrofitted bear-resistant trash cans/carts from their trash disposal company.  

• Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors. Don’t leave attractive things such as snacks, food wrappers, gum or even scented hand lotions in your car, and don't leave pet food outside your home.  

• Call 911 if you see a bear on campus. Stand still, stay calm, let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately. 

  Enjoy outdoor activities safely   

Fall is still a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities. Remember to hike, bike or climb earlier in the day than you would have in the summer. Be sure to let people know where you’ll be and bring your phone in case of emergencies. Review more tips for hiking around Boulder.  

Check the weather before heading out, as Boulder and higher elevations can be cold and may see September snow. Wear or bring layers to prepare for changing conditions. 

Colorado’s weather also can shift quickly, and fall remains a high-risk season for wildfires. Follow all fire restrictions and bans—including those on smoking—in Boulder and statewide.